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The Risks of Snoring

Snoring can be an irritating problem for you as well as for your bed partner. But the problems run deeper than just a few hours of sleeplessness. Snoring can develop into some serious health problems if left untreated. Knowing the warning signs and risks associated with snoring can save you many restless nights as well as the dismal outlook for future health risks.

  1. Causes

    • The reason you snore is sometimes hard to pinpoint, but it can be treated. When you fall into a deep sleep, the tissue in your throat relaxes and begins to vibrate that causes a noise known as snoring. The reason the tissue relaxes too much could be caused by the anatomy of your mouth, being overweight, how much alcohol you drink, nasal congestion or sleep apnea.

    Dangers

    • The dangers of snoring exists when the snoring is caused by a condition known as sleep apnea. It is usually distinguished by loud snoring followed by moments of silence when breathing appears to have stopped. Gasping for air will follow the silence. Your airway has become so obstructed by the relaxed tissue that air cannot pass down your throat into your lungs. It is important to seek diagnosis and treatment if you suspect sleep apnea. Sleep apnea has been shown to lead to possible heart failure or stroke. Teeth grinding and irregular sleep patterns are other risks associated with snoring.

    Cures

    • Your doctor will do a physical exam to determine to what extent you snore and the possible complications. If it is determined that you suffer from sleep apnea, you could benefit from a sleep study. These are generally done in sleep centers that are devoted to diagnosing sleep disorders. In some cases, you can be monitored at home. If you suffer from sleep apnea, your doctor will discuss several options to alleviate the problem or a possible cure.

    Other Remedies

    • If you do not have sleep apnea, there are other remedies you might try to get a restful sleep. Losing weight or sleeping on your side usually alleviates some snoring. Limiting alcohol and sedatives or wearing nasal strips to open nasal passages could also help. There also are alternative treatments you can try yourself that have limited success, but they are not medically proven. Some people see some improvement through singing or playing a wind instrument. Both will strengthen your throat muscles.

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